Root and Rise Recap: A Rootiful Season, exploring Reciprocity

Our December unit study unfolded beautifully together, wrapping up just before the holidays, centered on the theme of reciprocity — the understanding that giving and receiving are foundational to nature, community, and the seasons.

I had the joy of stepping into the role of Unit Guide for this study. While I came in with an outline, the heart of the learning emerged through the children’s questions, shared experiences, and the rhythms of the season. I’m thankful to be part of a community that values learning in this way.

Winter in Florida doesn’t arrive all at once, so our days together were a mix of cooler air and warm sunshine. That rhythm fit our study well, giving us a taste of winter air, with lots of sunshine still to encourage continued outdoor play. We spent time observing reciprocity in the natural world — birds and berry trees, squirrels and oaks, fungi and roots, fallen leaves and living soil — and considering how these same patterns show up in our own relationships. We explored these ideas through hands-on activities.

In week 1 we explored how nature is all connected and practiced gratitude for what the land gives us back by creating simple stick ornaments to use as decor in our individual homes reminding us to honor nature when we pause to look at it through out the week. And we also made sweet treats: reciprocity balls which the children of course devoured before ever even completely putting them together.

Reciprocity Ball Recipe:
• Rolled oats
• Peanut butter
• A small amount of maple syrup and/or sugarcane molasses (we used both)
• Optional additions: seeds, coconut or dried fruit or the kid's favorite: chocolate chips

Our second Tuesday divinely landed on a truly cold Florida winter day, perfectly aligning with my lesson plan to read Stone Soup and cook together. As children chopped vegetables and added what they could to the pot, they witnessed how shared contributions become nourishment for all.

We also had the joy of partnering with our community to bring gifts to children in foster care. Our R+R children were so thoughtful as they helped choose and prepare presents, practicing generosity in a very tangible way. It was a beautiful reminder of how reciprocity isn’t just about what we receive — it’s about noticing needs around us and offering care, kindness, and love to others.

The kids reaaally got into the soup prepping and of course loved the energy of having a fire. We used chicken broth (homemade from my kitchen of course), carrots, celery, onion, pumpkin, cassava (from our food forest), and sausage.

On our final Tuesday, we also spent time exploring what the Winter Solstice actually is. Through a simple hands-on demonstration, the children observed how the Earth rotates and revolves, helping them understand why we experience shorter and longer days throughout the year. They were fully engaged, asking questions, moving their bodies, and delighting in seeing these big ideas made tangible.

With Christmas approaching, we discussed how this reflects Christ’s birth - a living example of light returning to the world — a reminder of hope, generosity, and love freely given. We reflected on Christ as a model of reciprocity: offering Himself without expectation and inviting us into lives of care for one another and creation.

Together we prepared pinecone bird feeders using lard and birdseed and crafted paper lanterns to symbolize light in the darkness.

Our study culminated on the day of the Winter Solstice with a family gathering. We sang Christmas carols, shared a meal, and a lighthearted afternoon of fellowship.

Books we Read:

• Robin and the Marvelous Maple by Madeline Hope Weinstein Check it out on Amazon

• Stone Soup: A lesson in Sharing by Henna Morgan Check it out on Amazon

• A Woodland Winter Solstice: Abigail Gaines Check it out on Amazon

We also made a visit this month back to our favorite farmers property - Annette of Cassia Farms to pick up our mulberry starts we worked on a few months back.

December offered us a chance to slow down, notice what we’ve been given, and practice giving in return. We’re grateful for these weeks of learning, reflection, and community at Root and Rise 🤍